8 Best Prison Movies and TV Series
Watching a person trying to get out of prison, although an illegal act, can be exciting. Here is 8 prison movies and TV shows you may like. This is prepared by SSP.
The Shawshank Redemption
Frank Darabont’s 1994 adaptation of Stephen King’s novella is often hailed as one of the finest films ever made. The movie depicts Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), who is imprisoned for the murder of his wife. Mark initially found it unappealing but now appreciates it for its deeper message about the human spirit. He notes that viewers bring their own interpretations, making each experience unique.
Cool Hand Luke
Regarded as possibly the best prison film, Stuart Rosenberg's Oscar-winning film from 1967 features Paul Newman as a resilient inmate in a Florida prison. Luke embodies defiance in the face of systemic oppression, refusing to be crushed. The film sets a tone of brutal cruelty juxtaposed with dark humor. This mixture provides insight into the inmates’ coping mechanisms to survive the harsh prison environment.
Orange Is the New Black
Dr. Kalima Young, a film professor, highlights how prison settings create a confined space for character development. "Prisons are multi-ethnic and multi-racial, bringing uniquely diverse perspectives together," Young explains. The groundbreaking Netflix series, which aired from 2013 to 2019, begins with Harper (Taylor Schilling), a middle-class woman imprisoned for drug smuggling. It broadens its focus to tell the stories of various women, showcasing experiences often overlooked in media.
Brawl In Cell Block 99
For fans of graphic violence, 2017’s Brawl In Cell Block 99, directed by S. Craig Zahler, offers extreme content. Vince Vaughn plays a drug mule forced to enter maximum-security prison to save his family. This film centers less on social commentary. Zahler prefers to engage viewers without framing clear moral choices between good and evil, reflecting the complex motivations of his characters.
The Birdman of Alcatraz
In John Frankenheimer's 1962 film, Burt Lancaster portrays Robert Stroud, a murderer sentenced to life in solitary. Stroud develops a profound love for birds after finding an injured one, honoring the sanctity of life. S. Craig Zahler praises this film for creating a world within the confines of the prison. Despite taking liberties with Stroud’s real story, it captures the depths of human reflection within incarceration.
Porridge
Setting a sitcom in a prison might seem unconventional, but Richard Weight notes that it worked exceptionally well. The iconic 1970s BBC show stars Ronnie Barker as Fletcher, who offers wise, humorous insights about imprisonment. Weight explains that while many prison films depict escape, "Fletcher advises finding joy in small victories." The series brilliantly explores resilience and optimism within a challenging framework.
Scum
Originally performed as a play in 1977, Scum depicts the brutal reality of juvenile detention. Alan Clarke directed the film adapted in 1979, which has become a cult classic. Starring Ray Winstone, it presents a raw portrayal of incarceration. Winstone expressed gratitude that the earlier version was withheld, stating, "If it hadn’t been banned, I might not be acting today." This illustrates how impactful storytelling can emerge from restriction.
Time
Lauded with two BAFTA awards, the anthology series depicts individuals commencing their prison sentences. The first series, released in 2021, centers on Mark (Sean Bean), who navigates a life filled with violence and intimidation. Alongside a prison officer portrayed by Stephen Graham, the show reveals the complexities of life behind bars. Zahler praises the show's authenticity, mentioning that the writing avoids oversimplification and shallow resolutions.
Earlier, SSP reported about 3 intense thrillers to check out after Trap.
